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"RARE WAR OF 1812 FORTRESS POSTCARD - HISTORIC MARTELLO TOWER WITH BRITISH REDCOAT!
You're viewing a pristine never-used chrome postcard documenting one of Canada's most impressive War of 1812 fortifications - a vanishing piece of military history from Saint John Harbour New Brunswick.
Description
This exceptional vintage chrome postcard captures the imposing Martello Tower standing guard over Saint John Harbour a testament to early 19th century military engineering.
The circular stone fortification is dramatically photographed against a vivid blue sky with its distinctive wooden upper section and modern Canadian maple leaf flag flying proudly at the top.
Adding tremendous historical interest a costumed reenactor in authentic British redcoat uniform stands at attention in the foreground beside a traditional white wooden sentry box.
Several period cannons are visible on the grassy grounds surrounding the tower highlighting its original defensive purpose.
The photograph brilliantly showcases both the massive stone construction and the strategic hilltop position that once allowed cannon control of the harbour entrance.
This card offers a perfect blend of architectural military and Canadian historical significance in one striking image captured by photographer E. Otto.
The vivid colors and sharp detail make this an exceptional example of mid-century chrome postcard artistry and historical documentation.
Historical Significance
Martello Towers represent one of the most distinctive military architectural innovations of the Napoleonic era with this Saint John example being among the best preserved in North America.
Built during the War of 1812 specifically to defend against potential American attacks this tower represents a critical chapter in Canadian-American relations and the development of Canada's national identity.
The reverse side provides remarkable historical details noting that over 5 000 tons of stone and masonry were used in its construction with walls more than 8 feet thick at the base.
Standing 30 feet high with a circumference of 160 feet this massive fortification was designed to withstand direct cannon fire while providing elevated artillery positions to defend the harbour.
The presence of the reenactor in British military uniform connects viewers directly to the historical period when British regular army troops would have manned this strategic position.
This tower stands as a physical reminder of the tensions that once existed between the United States and British North America (later Canada) during a formative period for both nations.
Now recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada this Martello Tower represents a tangible link to early Canadian defensive strategy and British Imperial military architecture.
Condition
This postcard is in absolutely pristine unused condition - never written on addressed or mailed!
The paper is clean and white with minimal yellowing remarkable for a card from the 1960s-70s era.
Both the image side and correspondence side remain immaculate making this an exceptional example for serious collectors of military or Canadian postcards.
The printing is crisp and clear with all the fine details of the stonework uniform and landscape perfectly preserved.
The vibrant colors remain true and unfaded with the blue sky and stone textures particularly well-rendered.
No creases corner bends edge wear or damage of any kind is visible - this card appears virtually as it did when first printed.
Age/Era
This classic chrome postcard dates to the 1965-1975 period as evidenced by the modern Canadian maple leaf flag flying atop the tower (adopted in 1965).
The distinctive '100% CANADIAN PRODUCT' maple leaf logo and 'Wilson's Superb' publisher's mark help date this card to this specific decade.
Published by Alex Wilson Publications Limited of Dryden Ontario and distributed by Saint John News Co. Ltd. this card represents the golden age of Canadian chrome postcard production.
The photography style color processing and typography are all consistent with premium Canadian tourist postcards from this specific period.
The reference number '15442R' confirms this was part of a formal series documenting significant Canadian landmarks during this era.
Rarity
Postcards featuring specific historical fortifications with period reenactors are significantly less common than standard tourist views or scenic landscapes.
Military history postcards like this one appeal to specialized collectors making them increasingly difficult to find in such pristine condition.
As physical postcards continue to disappear from circulation these specialized historical site cards are vanishing at an alarming rate from the collector marketplace.
The detailed historical information on the reverse side adds significant educational and documentary value that elevates this above typical tourist postcards.
Once this card leaves my inventory finding another example in this condition documenting this specific historical site may prove challenging - this could be your only chance to acquire this piece of Canadian military history!
Collector's Note
This postcard has exceptional cross-category appeal - valuable to collectors of military history War of 1812 memorabilia Canadian landmarks fortifications and Maritime Canada.
The presence of the costumed reenactor adds significant interest for collectors of military uniform postcards a specialized and passionate collecting niche.
The Martello Tower design itself holds architectural importance making this relevant to collectors of defensive structures and military engineering.
As interest in War of 1812 history continues to grow among historians and collectors ephemera documenting these fortifications becomes increasingly sought after.
When this postcard is gone it's gone forever - there is a strictly finite supply of these historical time capsules and they're disappearing from the marketplace with each passing year.
Shipping Information
This pristine postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival-quality sleeve inside a rigid mailer to ensure it arrives in the same excellent condition shown.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a perfect piece of Canadian military history before it vanishes forever!"
_gsrx_vers_1723 (GS 9.9.3 (1723))
Condition: Used
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles